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Defence Forces Strength

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 June 2020

Tuesday, 9 June 2020

Questions (12)

Brendan Smith

Question:

12. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of personnel serving in the Permanent Defence Force; his plans to bring personnel numbers to the approved establishment strength of 9,500; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10241/20]

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Written answers

The military authorities have advised that the strength of the Permanent Defence Force, at 30th April 2020, was 8,485 whole time equivalent personnel.

While the Government remains committed to returning to, and maintaining the agreed strength of the Permanent Defence Force at 9,500 personnel, the capacity of the Defence Forces to induct and train recruits has been severely impacted by the COVID-19 situation as it resulted in the postponement of the majority of inductions to date.

The net effect of this postponement in recruitment activities is unclear at this time but the Defence Forces remain committed to optimising the number of personnel inducted during 2020. In that context, the military authorities have advised that they are currently finalising plans to re-commence General Service training and recruitment, taking public health guidelines into account. A campaign to re-enlist former members of the Permanent Defence Force, to fill certain vacancies, is also underway

In addition, the report of the Public Service Pay Commission (PSPC) of 2019 contains a range of recommendations aimed at improving work-force planning, recruitment and conditions of service for members of the Defence Forces. A High Level Plan to giver effect to the recommendations of the PSPC is being implemented.

It should be noted that as the High Level Implementation Plan contains short, medium and long term measures, the full impact of these measures will take time to determine. There are also a range of external variables which impact on recruitment and retention and which can change and these will be carefully monitored to assess their effect as they arise.

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